Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

Even though Real Madrid are playing at home and have a 2-1 lead from the first leg the semi-final tie against Bayern Munich in the Champions league is not over. If the German champions score first it basically becomes the next goal the winner. Bayern were the best team for long periods in the first match and won’t be intimidated about having to score more than one goal in the Bernebeu. A precedent was set last year when Bayern Munich went to the Spanish capital and beat Real 2-1 in their own backyard. It’s an all or nothing situation and the same result would send the semi-final into extra time and that correct score is 10/1 with Ladbrokes.

However, conversely are we missing an opportunity to back Real Madrid at odds against at home? In La Liga they are only bigger than Evens when Barcelona visit and usually they are long odds-on to secure three points. The waters are muddied by the fact that Real Madrid have conceded at least one goal in 22 of their last 26 matches. Bayern scored first in their home tie despite massive disruption to the team and plan due to key injuries. Madrid often leave things late to decide Champions League knockout ties when they are at home in the second leg. The potential bets are both teams to score and Real Madrid to qualify but on reflection the way to go is backing the DRAW at 3/1 with William Hill.

There are five Flat meetings in Britain today as the jumps fraternity take a break. Their season ended at Sandown last Saturday and actually the new one began yesterday. All roads lead to the Cheltenham Festival next March but for now the focus is on racing on the level and the first two Classics are at Newmarket this weekend. It’s unlikely there are any horses with Classic potential in action today but some champions have made humble beginnings so you never know. The principle meeting is at Nottingham where there is a decent handicap over just over a mile at 3.35. PRYING PANDORA is well handicapped on past form and is the horse to back at 3/1 with bet365.